Is it lawful to ban Soviet flags at World War II memorials in Berlin? Absolutely!
Prohibition of Soviet Flags at World War II Memorials in Berlin's Memorial Site is Lawful - Denial of Display for Soviet Flags at World War Memorial in Berlin
In a surprising turn of events, a police general order has been issued this week, forbidding Soviet Union flags in areas surrounding various memorials. This court decision follows an unnamed association's failed plea to hold a memorial event.
The order specifically targets flags with Russian affiliations, a move that the court deemed utterly justified. The main objective is to preserve public calmness and to respectfully observe memorial days, any appeal towards the Higher Administrative Court is still an option.
On May 8th, 1945 - exactly 80 years ago - Germany's surrender to the Allies signified the end of World War II and the Nazi regime. Commemoration events are held annually, such as the upcoming one on Thursday, replete with a memorial service in the Bundestag.
One of the more noteworthy memorial sites is in the Treptow district of former East Berlin, affectionately known as the central memorial for the Red Army soldiers of the Soviet Union who perished while battling the Nazis. The Soviet Union, a communist dictatorship, ceased to exist in 1991, dissolving into its successor states like Russia and Ukraine. Russia's leadership, under President Vladimir Putin, utilizes remnants of the Soviet era in its propaganda.
In the present political climate, USSR flags may be viewed as "at least a sign of sympathy for Russia's war effort," as stated by the Berlin Administrative Court. Even minor gatherings can use these flags to evoke the impression of a "triumphal march," creating an intimidating and belligerent atmosphere. This could diminish the respect due to the victims and potentially escalate public unrest.
Memorials
- Red Army Soldiers
- World War II Commemoration
- Soviet Union
- Berlin
- WWII Veterans
- Ukraine
- Diplomats
- Russia
- Treptow
Enrichment insights: In recent years, mainly in Western countries like Germany, bans on Soviet symbols have become increasingly common during WWII memorial events. The primary reasons for these bans are to prevent potential violence and propaganda, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.[1][2][5]
- The Berlin Administrative Court has deemed it justifiable to prohibit the display of Soviet Union flags, particularly those with Russian affiliations, in areas surrounding World War II memorials.
- The objective of this ban is to maintain public calmness and foster a respectful environment during memorial days, while still providing the option for an appeal to the Higher Administrative Court.
- The Soviet Union, which ceased to exist in 1991, is one of the significant focal points in World War II remembrances, especially at the central memorial for Red Army soldiers in the Treptow district of former East Berlin.
- Given the current political climate, the presence of Soviet Union flags may be seen as a sign of sympathy for Russia's war effort, which could potentially diminish the respect due to the victims and escalate public unrest.
